A Swiss court has ruled that Jacques Moretti, the co-owner of a bar in the luxurious ski resort of Crans-Montana where a fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals on New Year’s Day, will be kept in custody. The court’s decision mandates a provisional detention of three months for Moretti, subject to review based on preventative measures against flight risks, such as a security deposit.
Initially, prosecutors from the Valais canton had ordered Moretti’s detention following an extensive hearing that involved both him and his wife, Jessica. The couple has expressed their sorrow over the tragic incident and has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Legal representatives of Jessica Moretti stated on Monday that once the specified conditions are met, her husband will be able to regain his freedom in compliance with the court’s ruling. The lawyers emphasized the couple’s unwavering commitment to facing the legal procedures together without evading them.
Last Friday, Swiss officials declared a national day of mourning, marked by church bells tolling across the nation in remembrance of the victims. Among the deceased, more than half were teenagers, with a further 116 individuals sustaining injuries, many of a severe nature.